Fix a Leaking Faucet

Learn to fix the most common causes of a leaking faucet.

Fix a dripping laundry faucet by replacing the faucet washer or the valve stem O-ring. You can replace both in ten minutes with a wrench and screwdriver.

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine:July / August 2010

Fix a drippy laundry faucet

1 of 2

Photo 1: Unscrew the valve

Remove the handle. Then turn the valve counterclockwise with a
wrench. Pull out the valve.

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Photo 2: Replace the washer

Remove the screw that holds the washer to the valve. Install the
new washer and replace the screw.

Laundry faucets like this are easy and cheap to fix. If it’s
dripping from the spout, you need a new faucet washer. And
if water is leaking around the handle, the rubber O-ring
around the valve stem is bad. But since you have to take out
the valve stem for either repair, and the fix is simple, we recommend
replacing both the hot and cold washers and the
O-rings while the faucet is apart. Remember to turn off the
water and purge the pressure before you start. If you’re
lucky, there’ll be a separate shutoff for the laundry room.
Otherwise, you’ll have to shut off the water to the whole
house by closing the main valve.

Photos 1 and 2 show how to do the repair. After you’ve
removed the valve stems, take them to the hardware store.
You’ll find drawers full of faucet washers and O-rings. Just
find washers that will fit snugly in the recess, and matching
O-rings. If you damaged the screw that holds the washer on
when you removed it, buy new brass screws. Now simply
reassemble everything in the reverse order. No more drips!

Tools & Materials List

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

4-in-1 screwdriver

Adjustable wrench

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here's a list.